Aiken, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Aiken County Council has approved the construction of a fishing pier at Langley Pond Park, costing $429,000. This initiative aims to enhance recreational opportunities and create an event destination. The project, which will be constructed by J.D. Gaskins Construction Inc., is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The council also discussed safety measures and improvements following recent weather-related events, including damage from a tornado.
Aiken, South Carolina – The Aiken County Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing recreational opportunities at Langley Pond Park by approving the construction of a new fishing pier. During a meeting on September 16, 2025, the council unanimously agreed to enter into an agreement with J.D. Gaskins Construction Inc. to build the pier, which will cost $429,000. Funding for this project will come from both state and county resources.
County Administrator Brian Sanders emphasized that the fishing pier will serve as more than just a location for fishing; it is envisioned as an event destination. This could include potential wedding venues, making the pier an attractive addition to the park. Plans for the pier indicate that it will be covered, wide, and equipped with aesthetically pleasing railings. The construction is slated for completion by spring 2026.
Langley Pond Park already boasts several amenities, including an inclusive playground and a finish line tower for rowing competitions. The council’s decision to construct the fishing pier comes on the heels of a $20,000 grant approval aimed at renovating the existing docks and improving the rowing course within the park. This grant requires a $5,000 match from the county.
Additionally, during the same meeting, the Aiken County Council authorized expenditures for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, including nearly $374,562.63 for replacement body-worn cameras and in-car mobile video systems. A resolution was also passed to allocate over $585,107.06 for new in-car mobile data terminals.
The council accepted a grant of $174,685 from the S.C. Department of Public Safety to support the Aiken County School Resource Officer Program. These initiatives are reflective of the ongoing commitment to enhance public safety and facilities within the region.
A separate discussion during the meeting addressed the potential addition of new emergency medical services stations in response to the county’s growth trends. This move is indicative of proactive measures being considered to ensure the provision of necessary services as population demands increase.
On another note, the community is currently facing the aftermath of an EF1 tornado that touched down in Langley earlier on a Monday morning, which impacted the Langley Fire Department and caused damage throughout Aiken County. The tornado resulted in downed trees, damaged homes, and disrupted roadways in affected areas. Local residents reported that the tornado’s impact was sudden, characterized by high winds that caused substantial damage in a very short time. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with limited power outages reported in the Langley area, while continuous updates from the National Weather Service are being provided due to severe weather forecasts impacting the region.
Overall, the initiatives taken by the Aiken County Council mark a vital step in both enhancing recreational facilities and addressing safety measures in light of recent weather-related challenges.
FAQ
What was approved by the Aiken County Council on September 16, 2025?
The Aiken County Council unanimously approved the construction of a fishing pier at Langley Pond Park.
What is the cost of the fishing pier construction, and who is constructing it?
The pier’s construction will cost $429,000, using funds from the state and county, and it will be built by J.D. Gaskins Construction Inc.
What features will the fishing pier have?
The fishing pier is expected to be covered, wide, and equipped with nice railings.
When is the fishing pier expected to be completed?
The fishing pier aims to be completed by spring 2026.
What other improvements were discussed at the Aiken County Council meeting?
The council approved a $20,000 grant for dock renovations and rowing course improvements at the park, requiring a $5,000 match from the county.
What were some expenditures approved for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office?
The council authorized nearly $374,562.63 for replacement body-worn cameras and in-car mobile video systems and over $585,107.06 for new in-car mobile data terminals.
What was the damage caused by the EF1 tornado in Langley?
The tornado caused damage throughout Aiken County, resulting in downed trees, damaged homes, and disrupted roadways.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Construction Approval | Fishing pier approved by Aiken County Council on September 16, 2025. |
| Cost | $429,000 using state and county funds. |
| Construction Company | J.D. Gaskins Construction Inc. |
| Completion Date | Expected by spring 2026. |
| Park Amenities | Inclusive playground and finish line tower for rowing competitions. |
| Recent Grant | $20,000 for dock renovations and rowing course improvements. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Free events near Aiken: September family guide
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Aiken, SC 10-Day Forecast
- WRDW: Tornado Brings Damage to Aiken County
- WFXG: Severe Weather Prompts E-Learning in Schools
- Post and Courier: Weather Advisory and School Closures
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
